Section 31 — Alternate dispute resolution

What this section requires

If the Board thinks a complaint could be resolved by mediation, it can direct the parties to attempt resolution through a mutually agreed mediator, or one provided under any applicable law.

Who it applies to

Parties to a complaint before the Board — participating in a Board-directed mediation is a live possibility for any Data Fiduciary or Data Principal in a dispute the Board considers suitable for it.

Checklist

• If the Board directs mediation, engage with it in good faith — declining outright isn't itself penalised, but it forecloses a route that could resolve the complaint faster and more cheaply than a full inquiry.

Penalty exposure

Not applicable — mediation is a dispute-resolution option, not an obligation carrying its own penalty.

Implementation timeline

Not yet in force. Commences 13 May 2027, eighteen months after the DPDP Rules, 2025 were published (13 November 2025) — per the commencement notification G.S.R. 843(E).